
Truck Accident Attorneys For Maintenance Issues & Failures
Accidents, injuries, and fatalities occur when trucking companies fail to perform required maintenance. Our experienced truck accident lawyers know how to spot maintenance issues and failures, hold trucking companies accountable, and demand fair compensation for injured victims and loved ones.
Contact the Los Angeles Truck Accident Lawyers for a free, confidential case review. Call us 24/7 at (213) 510-3261.
Overview
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Commercial Truck Maintenance & Inspections Are Required by State and Federal Law
Trucking companies must keep current with maintenance on all commercial vehicles to ensure the safety of their fleet and other vehicles sharing the roads. These operators must also train their drivers to spot maintenance issues before they cause accidents. Commercial vehicle maintenance and inspections are regulated on both the state and national levels across the United States.
California and National Trucking Regulations in the US
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a part of the US Department of Transportation (DOT), regulates commercial truck safety in the US and mandates that every commercial vehicle, including each segment of a combination vehicle, must undergo periodic inspection at least once every 12 months.[1] Most people in the industry call this an “annual inspection.”
Some standard FMCSA regulations include the following:
- Trucks weighing over 10,000 pounds or carrying hazardous materials must undergo regular inspections and maintenance of all parts.[2]
- Brake inspectors must undergo specialized training.[3]
- The owner-operators or trucking company must keep records of inspections.[4]
- Each driver who carries a Commercial Driver’s License must inspect the truck before each trip.[5]
California Regulations are partly overseen by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which provides regulations for performing all vehicle maintenance activities.[6]
Need a skilled bus accident lawyer? Our team can help with nearly all commercial vehicle accidents. Contact us 24/7 to schedule your free case evaluation.
Trucking Maintenance Essentials
Parts on commercial vehicles must be inspected regularly, and if they are worn out or damaged, they must be repaired or replaced. Big trucks have complicated systems with many parts. Systems and parts must be checked regularly and repaired properly.
Systems that must be maintained include:
- Brake system
- Coupling devices
- Frame
- Tires
- Wheels and rims
- Steering mechanism
- Lights
- Fuel system
- Suspension
- Exhaust
- Windshield wipers
All parts of these complex systems must be inspected and kept in good working order. The trucking company or owner/operator must keep proper inspection records and a detailed truck maintenance log.
“The only way to make dangerous truck companies safer is to hold them accountable for every injury and safety violation they’ve caused.”
Jordan M. Jones, Los Angeles Truck Accident Attorney![]()
The Consequences of Negligence in Trucking Maintenance
When trucking entities neglect maintenance duties, the repercussions can be severe and far-reaching. Mechanical failures on the road can lead to catastrophic accidents, resulting in serious injuries or even loss of life. Such incidents impact those directly involved, disrupt traffic flow, and compromise overall road safety.
However, despite the strict rules, many accidents are caused by trucking companies evading or ignoring federal law to save money. Commercial truck parts are expensive. Sometimes, CDL drivers are in a hurry to meet tight schedules and do not inspect the truck properly before a trip, or skip it entirely. The company may set schedules for deliveries that do not allow time for drivers to rest.
After an accident, the responsible party may even forge company records to cover up negligence that could prove they are liable for millions of dollars in damages. Their insurance carriers may not examine the trucking maintenance records closely to see if they are genuine.
We Hold Trucking Companies Accountable: At Los Angeles Truck Accident Lawyers, we work for our injured clients to determine and prove the trucking company’s negligence so that they may be fairly compensated for the harm and damages they endure.
California is an At-Fault State
Unlike other “No-Fault” states, California is considered an At-Fault state, using a Pure Comparative Negligence system.[7] This means that the driver who caused the crash is responsible, or “liable,” for paying compensation (known as “damages”) to those who have been injured.
Our injured clients can still recover damages even if they are partially or nearly completely at fault (up to 99% at fault), and whatever the injured party collects will be reduced by the percentage they are at fault. For example, if you are deemed 50 percent at fault, you may still collect 50 percent of the damages.
Maintenance Failures that Contribute to Truck Accidents & Injuries
At the Los Angeles Truck Accident Lawyers, our attorneys regularly uncover evidence that reveals these dangerous maintenance issues. We’ll examine inspection reports, maintenance records, truck black box data, dashcam footage, logbooks, driving history, and more. Commercial truckers who cause accidents due to maintenance failures must be held accountable.
Below are common maintenance issues that often lead to crashes, injuries, and fatalities for the victims our truck accident law firm represents.
Truck Accidents Caused by Brake Failure
Mechanical failure, overheating, improper maintenance, and brake system design flaws can all contribute to accidents where truck brakes fail. An FMCSA study found that brake failure contributed to almost one-third of commercial truck accidents.[8]
Many of these accidents are caused by the negligence of the owner, the driver, or those responsible for inspecting and maintaining the truck so that it is safe to be on the road.
Truck Accidents Caused by Headlight Defects
As with passenger vehicles, trucks must have working headlights. Sometimes defects occur, and parts are recalled. Not fixing the defect places the burden of liability on the trucker or trucking company if an accident occurs. In these circumstances, you may have a viable lawsuit against the trucker, the trucking company, or even the manufacturer.
Truck Accidents Caused by Lack of Inspection or Maintenance
When trucking inspections or required maintenance are overlooked, delayed, or intentionally skipped, accidents with injury may occur. The FMCSA mandates that large trucks keep maintenance logs for service, repairs, and inspections for one year.[9] Post-trip inspection reports contain a detailed list of areas to check, such as fluid levels, lights, tires, and brakes.
Our truck accident law firm helps hold trucking companies accountable when a lack of truck maintenance or inspection occurs.
Truck Accidents Caused by Steering Failure
Steering failure in a semi-truck or other large truck can have terrible consequences, particularly since a tractor-trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. The California Department of Motor Vehicles notes that hauling overly heavy loads for too long a period of time may cause damage to the steering.[10]
When steering fails due to lack of maintenance or other forms of negligence, the driver and perhaps the trucking company may be liable for damages caused by an accident.
Truck Accidents Caused by a Tire Blowout
Despite the danger of serious accidents caused by blowouts, trucking companies, and truckers commonly retread a worn-out tire instead of replacing it because commercial truck tires are expensive. Negligence in tire blowout truck accidents may occur with truckers driving during poor road conditions, poor or no tire inspection, truck overloading, under-inflating tires, and overinflating tires, among other things.
If a trucker or trucking company chooses to ignore current NHTSA tire recalls, it is negligent and hence liable for injuries and damages if a blowout accident results.
Truck Accidents Caused by Tow Hitch Defects
A defective tow hitch on a large truck can break loose and leave a disaster in its wake. Those who are victims of an accident due to a runaway trailer with a defective hitch assembly may be able to seek compensation from the product manufacturer. Manufacturers have the responsibility to produce safe and effective products. When those products fail, the manufacturer has failed in its duties.
“One of the biggest misconceptions I see is the idea that a truck accident is like any other car accident. But these cases are complicated, and there is so much more involved.”
Attorney Jordan M. Jones![]()
Justice with a Truck Accident Law Firm for Maintenance Issues
No matter the type of truck accident you’ve been involved in, don’t go it alone after a collision with an 18-wheeler or commercial vehicle. Know your legal rights and get the truck accident representation you need and deserve. Call on us 24/7 to discuss your case with a professional. Request a free consultation today.
How Our Attorneys for Truck Accidents Caused by Maintenance Issues Help You
Call us 24/7 to get a free evaluation of your injury claim. Your case matters to us. When we take you on as our client:
- We’ll Investigate: Our lawyers will review police reports, records from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), medical records, inspection reports, maintenance records, and any additional evidence to build a strong case.
- We’ll Meet Filing Deadlines for Truck Accident Injury Claims: Your claim must get filed before your opportunity for a lawsuit expires. Because filing and notice deadlines do exist, we encourage you to contact our law firm as soon as possible after an accident.
- Submit a Demand Letter: We’ll demand justice and fair compensation from trucking companies and their insurance providers.
- We’ll Negotiate on Your Behalf: You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, future lost income, pain and suffering, and more. We’ll work hard to negotiate a strong and fair settlement with the insurance providers.
- Case Litigation when Needed: We’ll file a personal injury lawsuit when needed and prepare for a trial in court.
- Reach a Settlement or Verdict: If the trucking company fairly negotiates, you may decide to accept a settlement. But should they not offer a fair settlement, we’ll be prepared to argue your case in court and demand a fair verdict from a judge or jury.
- Collect Your Compensation and Close Your Case: Once a settlement or verdict has been reached, we’ll finalize any remaining details to help you collect recoverable damages.
Don’t delay. Contact our experienced truck crash lawyers 24/7 to get started on your injury claim.
Truck Maintenance Accidents FAQs
According to the FMCSA, commercial trucks must adhere to these requirements: [11]
Daily inspections: Drivers must inspect their vehicles before operating them each day. If there are any defects, the driver has to note that in a pre-trip inspection report. If the maintenance issue is serious enough, the truck is not supposed to be driven until it is repaired.
Annual inspections: “Every commercial vehicle, including each segment of a combination vehicle, must undergo periodic inspection at least once every 12 months.”
Post-trip inspections: “Drivers of passenger-carrying and non-passenger CMVs must inspect vehicles and prepare and sign a written report at the completion of each day’s work on each vehicle operated.”
Pre-trip inspections help identify and address potential safety issues before the trip begins, reducing the risk of vehicle breakdowns or accidents during transit.
The Department of Transportation notes, “Before operating the vehicle, the driver must inspect the vehicle and be satisfied that it is in safe operating condition. If the last vehicle inspection report notes any deficiencies, the driver must review and sign to acknowledge and certify that the required repairs were made.” [12]
When our investigators look into the causes of your accident, we will scrutinize maintenance and inspection practices. We may take necessary action with the following:
– Vehicle Examination
– Maintenance Records Review
– Electronic Data Analysis
– Expert Consultation
– Driver and Witness Interviews
– Accident Scene Investigation & Reconstruction
– Canvas the area for video (e.g. surveillance cameras, ring doorbells, etc.)
Schedule Your Free Case Review with a Truck Accident Lawyer for Maintenance Failure
Federal regulations and truck inspections are supposed to keep us safe. Much of the suffering we have seen truck accident victims endure could have been avoided if trucking companies had abided by federal and state rules and regulations. We have experience investigating these tragedies and understand how to find out what really caused your accident. We will hold all responsible parties liable to the full extent of the law.
Your next important step: Contact the Los Angeles Truck Accident Lawyers for help with your case anywhere in California. Schedule your free case evaluation and learn more about our Contingency Fee Lawyers: You pay no fees unless you win. Our lawyers have recovered millions of dollars for injured people and their loved ones.
Call us 24/7 at (213) 510-3261 to begin your confidential, free case review, or fill out our contact form.
Helpful Resources
- About Us – Learn more about our truck crash law firm in Los Angeles, CA
- Our Service Areas
- Types of Truck Accidents
- Truck Accident Statistics
- Testimonials & Reviews – Hear from our clients
Meet Attorney Jordan M. Jones
Attorney Jordan M. Jones has dedicated his ongoing law practice to helping victims of serious truck accidents throughout Los Angeles County and Southern California.
As one of only a few attorneys located in California who is Board-Certified in Truck Accident Law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, Jordan has litigated over one hundred truck accident injury cases with a strong track record of success.
LEARN MORE: Attorney Jordan M. Jones